6 days ago
These are the top public high schools in Connecticut, according to Niche
CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — Westport School District's Staples High School was determined the best public high school in the state for 2025, according to an annual analysis from Niche.
It's not the first time the school as earned this title from Niche. They've ranked No. 1 at least three times in recent years.
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Niche used demographic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education, combined with surveys from millions of students and parents, to make its ranking.
They said the criteria with the most weight was academics, which they graded based on state assessment proficiency, college enrollment data, and survey responses on academics from students and parents.
Other factors included culture and diversity, teachers, parent and student surveys on experience, clubs and activities, resources and facilities, and sports.
Most of the top 25 'best' schools are found in Fairfield County. The full list can be found below.
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Meanwhile, Manchester High School was named the most diverse school.
That ranking was determined by the schools' student racial diversity index, parent and student surveys on culture and diversity, the percent of economically disadvantaged, and gender diversity.
The top 10 most diverse schools can be found listed below, along with a list of schools with the best teachers, which Niche determined using reviews from students and parents, plus academic and teacher data from the U.S. Department of Education.
Best schools:
Staples High School in WestportOverall Niche Grade: A+
New Canaan High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A+
Darien High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A+
Greenwich High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A+
Wilton High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A+
Ridgefield High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A+
Center for Global StudiesOverall Niche Grade: A+
Avon High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A+
Farmington High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A+
Glastonbury High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A+
Fairfield Warde High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A+
Connecticut International Baccalaureate Academy in East HartfordOverall Niche Grade: A+
Weston High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A+
Marine Science Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut in LearnOverall Niche Grade: A
Conard High School in West HartfordOverall Niche Grade: A
Daniel Hand High School in MadisonOverall Niche Grade: A
Hall High School in West HartfordOverall Niche Grade: A
Simsbury High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A
Cheshire High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A
Guilford High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A
East Lyme High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A
Masuk High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A
South Windsor High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A
Trumbull High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A
Fairfield Ludlowe High SchoolOverall Niche Grade: A
Most diverse:
Manchester High School
Hamden High School
Stratford High School
Stamford High School
Connecticut International Buccalaureate Academy in East Hartford
Connecticut River Academy at Goodwin University in East Hartford
Global Experience Magnet School
West Haven High School
Robert E. Fitch High School in Groton
Derby High School
Best teachers:
Staples High School in Westport
Farmington High School
New Canaan High School
Greenwich High School
E.O. Smith High School
Center for Global Studies in Norwalk
Wilton High School
Avon High School
Fairfield Warde High School
Shepaug Valley School
More information on the rankings can be found on Niche's website.
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